A World of Opportunity

Each year, over a thousand students are invited to participate, and last year over 350 schools took part. We were delighted to follow our four OIC teams through the Regional rounds, with Yi Feng Loh & Vanessa Kan (who's team finished 3rd out of 60!) secured a place in the finals!

The competition offers students an excellent chance to develop their skills and confidence in public speaking, through thoughtful argumentation and analytical problem solving.  The best performing teams in the competition compete in Finals Day, held at the historic Oxford Union. The Union is one of the most prestigious debating societies in the world, with an unparalleled reputation for hosting renowned speakers from around the globe. Established over 195 years, the society has a long tradition of challenging thought and aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but around the world.

The competition is split into several stages, with workshops taking place throughout the Autumn term and the largest component of the competition, the Regional Rounds taking place across the UK And Ireland.   Each school is placed in a region geographically and the rounds are hosted by a local school. These rounds involve competing in two debates with 15 minutes preparation time ('short prep'), after which the judges will send the top performing teams forward to Finals' Day.

FINALS'DAY

Held in Oxford at the Oxford Union, the Finals' Day took place on 9th March. We were thrilled for Yi Feng Loh & Vanessa Kan, such a huge achievement and only the second time in the College's history to have OIC students reach the final!

Jason Brooks, Director of Supercurricular, said, "This weekend OIC students, Vanessa and YI Feng participated in the Oxford Schools Debating Competition, one of the most prestigious and competitive debating tournaments in the world.  Through our weekly debate club they have debated on topics ranging from politics and economics to ethics and culture, demonstrating their critical thinking, research, and communication skills.  They have also interacted with students from different countries and backgrounds, broadening their horizons and perspectives.  I am immensely proud of their achievements and growth, and I want to thank them for their dedication, passion, and teamwork. They have represented our school with honour and excellence, and I am confident that they will continue to excel as they begin their pathway to university."

Top performing schools from the regional and international rounds are invited to participate in Finals Day.  This consists of 4 rounds of short-prep debates. The top 8 teams after these rounds then progress to the Semifinals and then Finals.

More information on the competition, including motions can be found here